Two In Five Kiwi Men Die Prematurely, New Movember Report Reveals

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2 days ago

12 August 2025 – Two in five men living in Aotearoa New Zealand die prematurely – before the age of 75 – most from causes we know how to prevent and treat. That's the stark reality revealed in The Real Face of Men's Health: Aotearoa New Zealand, a landmark new report from the Movember Institute of Men's Health. It's the most comprehensive look at men's health in New Zealand to date – and it makes the issue impossible to ignore.
The report finds men are dying almost 4 years earlier than women, with heart disease, certain cancers and suicide leading the toll. Suicide is the number one cause of death for young men aged 15–34, and three in every four New Zealanders who die by suicide are male. Among young tāne Māori aged 25–44, the suicide rate soars to nearly 60 deaths per 100,000 – the highest of any group in the country.
'These aren't just statistics – they're sons, fathers, brothers, and mates. And their deaths send shockwaves through whānau, workplaces and communities,' says report contributor Dr Simon Bennett (Ngāti Whakaue, Patu Harakeke, Ngāti Waewae), Director of Clinical Psychology Training at Massey University and member of Movember's Global Indigenous Advisory Committee. 'Too often, men are falling through the cracks, missing out on the critical support they need, when and where they need it most – and it has gone on for too long.'
The research exposes major barriers stopping men from getting care – from masculine stereotypes and the expectation to 'tough it out', to health systems that too often feel unwelcoming or dismissive. Six in ten men say their concerns aren't taken seriously by healthcare providers, while nearly two-thirds feel masculine stereotypes have negatively influenced their health.
'If we addressed just the top five preventable diseases in men, New Zealand could have saved $917 million in 2023 alone,' says Professor Simon Rice, Global Director of the Movember Institute of Men's Health. 'The solutions exist. Now is the time for national action.'
Movember is calling on the New Zealand Government to develop a Men's Health Strategy – grounded in equity and partnership with Māori – to deliver coordinated action across policy, services and systems. Because when men live longer, healthier lives — everyone benefits.
'This is a critical opportunity to change the trajectory of men's health in Aotearoa,' says Professor Rice. 'Healthier men mean healthier families, stronger communities and a stronger country.'
New Zealanders can read the full report, which details the premature mortality of Kiwi men, the economic cost of poor men's health, the impact whānau and caregivers, and what's proven to work – and join the conversation at Movember.com/RealFaceNZ.
Movember is the leading global charity changing the face of men's health. What began as a bristly idea in Australia in 2003 quickly grew into a global movement – one that has sparked millions of important conversations, raised over AUD $1.83 billion for men's health, funded more than 1,300 health projects, and helped break the silence surrounding men's health issues.
From breakthrough prostate and testicular cancer research to bold investments in mental health and suicide prevention, Movember is transforming how health services reach and support men. The charity works to ensure more men recognise when they're struggling, more supporters know how to step in, and health systems are better equipped to respond to men in need.
Movember champions inclusive, gender-responsive healthcare — improving health outcomes not just for men, but for the families and communities they're part of. Together, we can help men live healthier, longer lives. Learn more at Movember.com.